Eighth Army trains with ROK allies during Key Resolve

YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - The U.S. Army’s top operational command on the Korean Peninsula trained with its South Korean allies and joint service counterparts during exercise Key Resolve Feb. 24 - April 18.

Eighth Army honed its mission command capabilities during the two-week exercise in South Korea.

A peninsula-wide computer simulation exercise that takes place every year, Key Resolve enables American, South Korean and United Nations Command personnel to maintain the readiness necessary to defend South Korea.

Defensive in nature, Key Resolve occurs in Spring around the same time as Foal Eagle, an annual field training exercise. This year, Exercise Foal Eagle is taking place from Feb. 24 - April 18.

Eighth Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Bernard S. Champoux said Key Resolve keeps Eighth Army and the Republic of Korea-U.S. Alliance ready to deter aggression against South Korea and maintain stability in Northeast Asia, which is home to four of the world's six largest militaries and more than 25 percent of total U.S. trade.

Champoux said the exercise ensured the alliance is prepared for any contingency, crisis or conflict.

"Exercises like Key Resolve keep us ready," said Champoux, "and our readiness directly contributes to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and stability in Northeast Asia."

"In Korea, we train like we fight - as a team," said Champoux, a native of Pittsfield, Mass. "Because of exercises like Key Resolve and Foal Eagle, our joint and combined team is stronger and getting stronger."